Today’s landmark decision by the U.S. Supreme Court in the case of Allen v Milligan validates both the historical context and the current realities faced by the underrepresented Black populace of this state.

The protections of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act (noted to be the most powerful remaining provision) have again shifted the scale of justice towards a more balanced and true level of equilibrium for our citizens.

In a state where Blacks account for more than 25 percent of the population, African American voters have continued to be disenfranchised by barriers advanced in the interest of its majority Republican constituents.

Having a congressional map with one majority Black seat out of seven congressional districts when two were shown to be needed was inadequate and did not allow for true representation to be reflected in the structure of our national governance system.

With this decision, redistricting discrimination has again been averted and Alabama will have to draw a congressional map to include a second majority-Black district.

Today is a day of exaltation for many but should also illuminate the need for intentional engagement and political participation, irrespective of race and in the interest of equity for all Alabamians.

NASW-Alabama Chapter invites you to join us in solidarity as we continue to toil in the interest of social justice. In reflection of a quote by one of our great social justice champions:

“Freedom and justice cannot be parceled out in pieces to suit political convenience. I don’t believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others.” – Coretta Scott King

PRIDE (noun):

1) a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired

2) consciousness of one’s own dignity.

June is Pride month. Throughout the country, there will be rainbow-bedecked parades, parties, and marches. There will be festivals and merchandising and chants and controversy. Pride is complex and complicated.

Some of you know the origin of the modern Pride is the Stonewall uprising at the Stonewall Inn bar in New York City, beginning June 28, 1969. You may know the first gay Pride began as resistance to police brutality.

Some of you have listened to podcasts like Making Gay History that interview some of the history makers like Sylvia Rivera who were present that hot summer night, when the respectable and the homeless, the butch, the Black, the Latine and transgender people present all said “No,” to being beaten up and arrested for “crimes” such as masquerading as the opposite gender or serving alcohol to “known homosexuals” (both illegal in New York at the time). The date of this riot was observed a year later as the Christopher Street Parade, and thereafter, as Pride Parades and festivals throughout the United States and the world.

But this is not the “happily ever after” of Pride. It is not the ending any more than it was the beginning. Find our struggles in the U.S. even earlier, with the Homophile Movement, the Compton Cafeteria Riot, the Indigenous identities that preceded the gender binary and heteronormativity brought by European colonizers, and so on.

While Pride is about accomplishments, Pride is also about dignity, and that is not a finished product. Pride is not a tidy ending to a tale, where we can dust our hands together and say, “Well, we’ve got that sorted out.” I wish it were so. I wish that we knew how to undo the kinds of active hate, simple ignorance, and passive bigotry that make the lives of folks in my community today undignified at best and dangerous at worst.

In my home state of Missouri this year, more anti-LGBTQIA2S+ bills were advanced than in any other year: at an astonishing 48 anti-LGBTQIA2S+ bills. This made Missouri second in the nation for hateful legislation. I spent my days in our Capitol testifying against so many of them: the two most powerful pieces of anti-trans legislation passed.

It was crushing.

But standing side by side with almost a thousand people on the lawn of our Capitol protesting for transgender rights reminded me that this fight is not over. Missouri Sen. Greg Razer spoke to the crowd and emphasized, “This is not over. They don’t know our history.”

Razer is a gay man. When I read this article, I recognized some of my story in his. We both come from Missouri towns with populations under 600 people. We both came out in the 1990s – a time when that meant seeing no one “like you” out and proud in your community.

I agree with Razer that to know the history of this community is to have pride. We have survived and accomplished so much. We have continued to recognize within ourselves the human dignity and the rights to life, liberty, and happiness while much of the world has sought only to oppress and harm us.

LGBTQIA2S+ folks are not the only or the primary community facing injustice in the United States today. And we live in intersectionality. Those of us living in multiple marginal identities suffer greatly.

But we do find ourselves being dehumanized and becoming a “wedge.” Take note: we aren’t an issue one can take exception to or a thing whose existence is up for debate. We are people.

This June, I ask you to take Pride to its basics: accomplishments and dignity.

Take the time to learn about this community, whether a part of it or an ally. I do encourage you, no matter your sexual orientation or gender identity, to spend some of this month researching LGBTQIA2S+ history. Read. Listen. Watch. Find the LGBTQIA2S+ people throughout human history: we have been there. And invest yourself in what we still need to accomplish!

This month, and every month, recognize and affirm that you are, in the words of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Code of Ethics, treating every LGBTQIA2S+ person (perhaps including yourself) “in a caring and respectful fashion, mindful of individual differences and cultural and ethnic diversity” (NASW, 2021).

And if you are part of my community– assert your dignity. I see you.

This is Pride, everyone! In the midst of so many struggles, we can and do have PRIDE.

Cassie E. Brown, MSW, LCSW (she/her/hers) is the executive director of the NASW Missouri Chapter. Her career has included direct social work services, in- and outpatient therapy, adjunct teaching, and program development and evaluation. She has been an in-demand speaker on topics such as self-care, compassion fatigue, LGBTQIA+ best practices, and the stigma of mental illness. She has worked in advocacy for the LGBTQIA+ community in Kentucky and Missouri at the micro, mezzo, and macro practice levels and serves as a member of the NASW DEI Committee. Cassie is a native of rural Missouri and is the first of her family to graduate college. She is passionate about underserved communities, intersectionality, and finding connections between people’s stories. In addition to social work, Cassie is a published author of poetry, essays, and short fiction and a tea aficionado.

Greetings social workers and social work advocates.

It’s done.  HB56, the bill allowing clinical social workers to diagnose within their scope of practice, passed in the Alabama Senate.  It is now ready to be signed into law.

Finally, we see momentum and a sense of solidarity in the field of social work here in Alabama. This legislation is now headed to Governor Kay Ivey for signature. With the update of these regulations by the Alabama Board of Social Work Examiners, social workers of Alabama will officially be able to diagnose.

This is a momentous accomplishment that took the support of many social workers, students, and organizations, including the Alabama State Board of Social Work Examiners, the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and of course NASW.  

Special thanks to state Rep. Frances Holk-Jones and Sen. Linda Coleman-Madison and Dr. Dawna Nelson, research fellow Alabama Commission on Higher Education.  Nelson spearheaded the grass root advocacy and coordination to make this a reality.  

This legislation has major implications on practitioners across the country – particularly those in Veteran Heath Care Systems (VAs)  nationwide.

The bill will go into effect three months after the governor signs it into law.

Carol Sobelson, MS, said she was inspired to enter social work because, “I recognized I was a good listener.”

“That led me down a clinical path for training so I could be even a better listener in understating and helping people,” says Sobelson, president of the NASW New Hampshire Chapter. “It’s interesting how my whole professional life was in clinical social work, and now I am involved in macro social work because it allows one to actively work for social justice and dignity and work on all the many disparities we have in our country.”

After graduating from Boston College, Sobelson attended Columbia University School of Social Work. She moved to Concord, N.H., in 1984 and taught at Connecticut University School of Social Work on the Concord campus while also maintaining a private practice.

She no longer teaches and retired from her private practice in 2020 after 40 years.

“I have been on the (chapter) board for many years,” Sobelson says, adding that chapter presidents who came before her inspired her to serve as chapter president. “So, when I was nominated, I was very happy and proud to accept. It’s been a wonderful experience.”

Sobelson also has served her chapter in the past as recording secretary and treasurer.

Her retirement has allowed more time to devote to social work advocacy with the New Hampshire legislature. In fact, being involved in the legislative community has been very meaningful, she says. “It allows one to recognize the needs of the community and the state, and you can have a direct influence on positive changes.”

NASW members can read the full story in NASW Social Work Advocates magazine.

Eighty-eight years ago what was called “The Great Labor Day Hurricane of 1935” hit Florida on August 29. With winds of up to 185 mph, its pressure was the most intense of any Atlantic hurricane to make landfall on record. The Lauderdale Daily News on Sept. 3, 1935, wrote the category 5 storm killed 408 people, and those “caught in the open were blasted by sand with such force that it stripped away their clothing.” 

In September 2022, Hurricane Ian was the deadliest hurricane to strike the state of Florida since the 1935 Labor Day hurricane. Ian caused damage from Cuba north through Florida, through the Southeast and up the coast to make what USA Today called “a devastating landfall” in eastern Canada. 

Dawn Brown, MSW, executive director of NASW-Florida, said when the state issued its first early warning, she began sending emails and postings to alert all members and keep them informed, something she continued throughout the storm. 

“There was an email sent to all members along with a social media post on Facebook that alerted members, future members and the community that our chapter office would remain open as long as it was safe and we had power,” she said. 

Brown said throughout the process she also asked for guidance from her chapter executive colleagues and board members, as well as the NASW national office. 

“We held an emergency board meeting to discuss the impact of Hurricane Ian and community resources along with needs that were identified,” she said. 

When asked if there were volunteers to help when individuals or a community needed it, “everyone wanted to help,” she said. 

The state was smart to quickly grant approval for out-of-state social workers, Brown said, and she assisted in helping them connect with groups like the American Red Cross and Volunteer Florida. The chapter also essentially partnered with colleagues and everyone would shop for donations, she said. “We collaborated to help communities in need.” 

Read the full story in NASW Social Work Advocates magazine.

What inspired you to serve as president of NASW’s Iowa Chapter?
I was interested in uplifting the social work profession when I was approached by the current Iowa Chapter president about opportunities on the board. This profession has taught me so much and helped me grow as a human. I felt this was an area I felt I could give back. NASW has always provided relevant training, advocated for the profession, and ensures the voice of social workers is at the table in law and policy discussions.

Do you have or have you had any other roles with the chapter?
I did my foundation practicum with NASW-Iowa, so this feels exciting to be active again later in my career.

What led to you becoming a social worker?
I wanted to work in mental health and my undergraduate degree is in psychology. When I was considering the direction of my masters, I learned about a local MSW program. As I explored the social work profession, I felt it was the path made for me. I didn’t just want to serve individuals within the confines of an office; My hope is to impact programs, families and communities.

NASW members, read the full Social Work Advocates magazine story.

Heavy rainfall in late August exacerbated ongoing problems at the main water treatment facility in Jackson, Miss., prompting Gov. Tate Reeves to declare a state of emergency. The Pearl River flooded Jackson, leading to low water pressure and a malfunction of pumps. Although a boil-water notice was lifted in mid-September, many residents remain skeptical about water safety. 

Gwen Bouie-Haynes, PhD, LMSW, executive director of NASW’s Mississippi chapter, said when the flooding began and the city treatment system failed, some chapter members sought donations to purchase containers to fill with clean water. They left them at sites where people could pick up the water, she said.  

The chapter again became involved in distributing water after the river flooded, because there are two social work schools in the area. “When the Pearl River flooded and the Jackson system failed, we had to get involved,” Bouie-Haynes said. “I contacted UPS, and the UPS Foundation donated 10 pallets of water. Those we distributed between Jackson State University and Belhaven University.” 

The chapter reached out to members requesting volunteers to help distribute the water, she said, and about 100 people volunteered. “We set up shifts and started working from there to get the water to campuses.” At right: Chapter student intern Reginald Virgil delivering water during the city of Jackson’s water crisis. 

The lack of investment in the aging city water system and the resulting ongoing problems have left residents wondering if it ever would be restored and usable, she said. “People just don’t trust it.” 

By the time the emergency order was issued in August, Jackson residents had already been told for a month to boil their water to kill possible contaminants, news reports stated. Volunteers and the National Guard had distributed millions of bottles of drinking water.

NASW members can read the full story at NASW Social Work Advocates Magazine.

The purpose of this bill is to repeal and do away with licensure for social workers and many other professions in South Carolina. We fought so hard for licensure in this state and will not allow it to be taken away.

Licensed social workers, like other mental health and health care providers, are regulated professionals who require a vigorous education, ongoing professional training, and adherence to a strict NASW Code of Ethics.

Social workers offer specifically guided health care and community support services that require expertise, professional competencies, and constant ethical vigilance.

Repealing our licensure would allow anyone to call themselves a social worker. This impacts our ability to be fairly compensated for our services and endangers clients who might seek help from unqualified and untrained individuals.

This bill is dangerous to our profession and to the people who count on us. H3515 is now in the House Labor, Commerce and Industry Committee.

Our job now is to take action! Call your representative today and demand they Vote NO on H3515. To find your representative go to the South Carolina Legislature website.

We cannot and will not rest until this bill is stopped! If you are interested in other way to combat this bill, contact the South Carolina chapter office.

Will Francis, LMSW, said he “saw the writing on the wall” after new laws were implemented in Texas and took action to inform NASW Texas Chapter members about how to stay safe while doing their jobs.

Freedom of Social Work: How the First Amendment Supports Safe Spaces — Francis’ presentation at the state conference — is an informational showcase of what social workers should do and should not do to legally protect themselves and their clients during these current political times.

Francis said he has seen an erosion of safe spaces that allow people to talk about some current issues over the last couple of years, and he knew the chapter needed to provide a “heads-up” to make sure social workers have the right tools. For example, if a client asks a particular question, the social worker needs to know what not to say.

“It’s about where people have safe spaces to talk about issues; it’s 100 percent about that,” he said.

“I had a bunch of people reach out — from private practices, schools, clinics, all settings — saying, “‘I’m afraid [of] what to do with a client.’ The more I heard, the more I knew I had to do something.”

Laws recently passed or those Francis anticipates coming in the next state legislative session are or will be about abortion and gender-affirming care, he said.

Francis worked with Thomas S. Leatherbury, director of the Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law’s First Amendment Clinic and adjunct clinical law professor, to gather information about case laws and case law histories.

“My goal is to provide social workers with the confidence that they have the laws and HIPAA and Code of Ethics (to defend themselves) against any person who says, ‘You have to’ or ‘You can’t’ talk to a client about that,” he said.

“It’s an important connection when you engage with a client and you listen and respond. If social workers can’t talk, that goes away.”

Licenses and the work itself could be at risk if a civil situation or criminal situation is brought up, he said, and the First Amendment, the Code of Ethics and HIPAA all are about areas that impact practice.

“That the work itself could lead to an impact on their career, that’s what they’re afraid of,” Francis said. “Our advice is to get educated about what your rights are. You know how HIPAA works. The Code of Ethics is bigger than NASW; it’s the foundation of social work. People need to write them into policies.”

Our professional Code of Ethics is foundational to what we do, he said.

“It can work as a form of protection that can help you focus on how to respond to what is brought to you. The more you use, the more you can use as a defense later. What I’m talking about is a defense to social work.”

Read the full story in NASW Social Work Advocates magazine.

Ohio Capitol Building

The National Association of Social Workers Ohio Chapter (NASW Ohio) is demanding the state legislature not pass legislation that could seriously harm thousands of Ohioans who are experiencing mental health struggles.

The Ohio Senate on Nov. 30 amended Substitute HB 509 to allow people with degrees other than social work to be a licensed social workers, an action that will erode the quality of mental health care in the state.

“This is an egregious mistake that would cause damage that could last generations,” said Danielle Smith, executive director of NASW Ohio. “If the bill passes, Ohio faces a future where someone who has no training in mental health can diagnose a mental illness. This could hamper a person living with a mental illness from getting comprehensive and compassionate care.”

Social workers account for the largest group of mental health services providers in the United States.

NASW Ohio Executive Director Danielle Smith, MSW, MA, LSW, CAE

Social work is a specific profession with regulated standards for education, field practicums, and licensure. The proposed change would devalue the social work profession by eroding professional education, values, practice standards, and reputation. A degree from a related field likely carries no requirements for an internship, meaning that a licensed social worker would have no practical experience before becoming licensed. Furthermore, it devalues and creates disincentives for earning a social work degree as a baccalaureate program requires 400 hours of field education and a master program requires 900 hours.

Passage of the bill would mean Ohioans would no longer be able to trust that a “licensed social worker” is someone with a degree in social work. Clients and communities must be able to trust that the people they work with are trained and prepared for the difficult work that social workers are called to do. This is a particularly important issue in Ohio where licensed social workers have a significant scope of practice with the ability to diagnose and assess mental health disorders under supervision.

“This legislation is ridiculous,” Smith said. “It would be like allowing someone with a degree in physical therapy to be a medical doctor or a dentist. All those professionals are in the field of medicine but they provide vastly different types of care. The same standards apply to this case.”